Dwight Yorke comments on the “crucial” relationship between Louis van Gaal & Robin van Persie

Former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke insists the “understanding” between Netherlands and newly-appointed Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal and Robin van Persie could play a major role in the club’s fortunes during the next Premier League campaign.

Van Persie has been one of the key driving forces behind the Oranje’s World Cup success so far, currently straddling the top of the goalscoring charts with three in two, alongside Germany’s Thomas Muller – albeit having enjoyed more playing time than the Bayern star.

Most recently, Van Persie was on song to level the scores against Australia, enabling the Netherlands to subsequently run out 3-2 winners.

“It’s no secret that they have an outstanding relationship, we’ve seen it at the World Cup [with Holland],” Yorke is quoted as having said by the Daily Star.

“He seems to be playing with a great deal of confidence – and every top player wants that understanding with a manager.

“That could be crucial for United when they come back to the club.”

Another potentially season-defining factor mooted by Yorke – as well as many others, at that – was the club’s transfer activity this summer. The 42-year-old, who scored 48 league goals for United across 96 appearances between 1998 to 2002, also went so far as to pinpoint the areas of the Red Devil’s squad which most need taking care of.

“It’s going to be exciting to see who he [Van Gaal] brings in.”

“Central defence is an area which needs strengthening, central midfield needs to be looked at – and maybe he can look at the wide areas too and freshen things up.”Robin van Persie has scored three goals from seven shots on goal in the World Cup so far, a conversion rate of 42.9%.